Fast Data Acquisition and Servo Technologies

Project Information

ServoTec

Grant agreement ID: 664714

DOI

10.3030/664714

Project closed

EC signature date 11 March 2015

Start date 1 May 2015

End date 31 October 2016

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)

Total cost

€ 149 897,50

EU contribution

€ 149 897,50

Coordinated by

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
Spain

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ServoTec (Fast Data Acquisition and Servo Technologies)

Reporting period: 2015-05-01 to 2016-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Fast data acquisition devices and control technologies are essential in multiple processes that require a fast response to a sensor input. They are present in multiple automatic procedures for the accurate functioning of trains, planes, and robotic systems either for domestic or industrial activities. As a result of the research performed in the SM-DNA-Repair project (ERC-206117), we have developed a fully digital acquisition and control board (http://www.fernandomorenoherrero.com/pdf/Blind_Profile_MB_Speed_2016_09_22.pdf) superior in most specifications to current technology thanks to its capability for high speed complex reaction.

The direct application for the new board is at the research instrument sector, in particular integrated into Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs) which are key tools for Nanotechnology. AFM sector represents around 14% of the global microscopies market which in 2013 was of US$5.75 billion and for which market studies forecast a growth of around 7% from 2014 to 2020. An AFM controlled by this board has successfully been demonstrated in operational environment showing improved capabilities in terms of high speed and complex decisions. This will lead to a new generation of instruments allowing new kind of studies at the nano-scale ranging from the dynamics of biological systems to fast routine surface analysis with high impact in sectors such as coating or electronics industries.

The ServoTec PoC project has served to carry out a study of the potential market of the technology, to identify its potential market entry and to define an IP strategy. The possible routes to market have been evaluated and different business models have been proposed.